TM Group and GroundSure to host free seminars on the speed of change in commercial property

11 June 2013

This month, two free seminars aimed at commercial property lawyers will address how to identify changes and act in the best interests of your client whilst adapting as a firm in this fast changing environment. The ‘Speed of Change’ events, held in association with TM Group and GroundSure, will take place in London and Manchester.

The hosts will be joined by guest speakers from businesses including Glenigan, ELM Law, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP and Lockton, who will identify upcoming changes to the law and ways in which firms can prepare. The events will be held at:

MediaCity UK, Manchester – Thursday 20th June, 9.30am-12.30pm

The Inner Temple, London – Wednesday 26th June, 9.30am-12.30pm

Allan Wilen, Economics Director at Glenigan, will open the event with an introduction to current trends in the commercial property sector. Drawing on Glenigan’s data and analysis, he will review the factors shaping the commercial market’s fortunes and assess its prospects for the years ahead. Allan has over 25 years of experience analysing and forecasting the UK construction industry.

Keith Davidson, founder of ELM Law, a specialist environmental practice that supports property and corporate lawyers in other firms, has particular experience with environmental liability transfer in transactions, brownfield development and environmental insurance. He will lead a session on tactics for environmental liability transfer when acting for buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.

Katharine Fenn is a real estate professional support lawyer at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP and a freelance lecturer, trainer and writer. With over 14 years’ experience as a PSL, following 10 years in practice at major law firms, she writes and lectures widely on commercial property issues. She will speak at the event on property due diligence, examining topical issues such as searches and enquiries; access and highways; town and village greens; and rights and covenants.

Calum Maclean is risk manager for Lockton’s Professions clients in the UK. As a solicitor with eight years’ experience in private practice, he has a real understanding of the business challenges and risks faced by solicitors in daily practice. He was a specialist risk consultant and broker with Marsh until 2012 when he joined insurance broker’s Lockton, who have one of the largest specialist professional indemnity practices in the country.

Ben Harris, sales and marketing director of TM Group, said, “The commercial property space is incredibly fast-moving and it can be a challenge to keep up-to-date with regulation and stay compliant. These sessions have been designed to address upcoming legislative changes and concerns that property lawyers may have about reconciling their clients’ commercial interests with their environmental responsibilities. The speakers are all experts in their fields, with decades of relevant experience between them, and it should prove to be a highly insightful and practical series.”

Malcolm Smith, sales and marketing director of Groundsure, added, “There are many elements to consider when purchasing commercial property. This seminar will equip solicitors with the level of detail they need in order to make confident decisions on behalf of their clients.”

The conference is free to attend and delegates will be eligible for three CPD points.